Icy Atlantic Plunge swimmers help fight domestic violence

Dozens of brave advocates and committed fundraiser's for Caring Unlimited, took an icy dip in the 13th annual Atlantic Plunge at Mother's Beach in Kennebunk on New Year's Day to raise awareness and money for the nonprofit domestic violence care agency based in Sanford.

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Posted Jan. 2, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Updated Jan 2, 2014 at 9:32 AM

Posted Jan. 2, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Updated Jan 2, 2014 at 9:32 AM

» Social News

Dozens of brave advocates and committed fundraiser's for Caring Unlimited, took an icy dip in the 13th annual Atlantic Plunge at Mother's Beach in Kennebunk on New Year's Day to raise awareness and money for the nonprofit domestic violence care agency based in Sanford.

Temperatures at Mother's Beach in Kennebunk peaked at 22 degrees with hefty gusts of wind at the 11 a.m. plunge hour, while the ocean water temperature was 42 degrees. Noelani Hansen was there to watch with her mother Helen. “I like to watch — but it's not for me. It's way too cold,” Hansen said.

Isabel Dumas of Kennebunk is a seasoned Caring Unlimited Atlantic Plunger. Her 15-year-old daughter Leah has joined her for the past five years. This year, her nine year old daughter Sydney was there as well for her first Atlantic Plunge. “It's something we plan on every year — it's for such a good cause,” Dumas said.

This was the first year plunging for Nancy Violette of Saco. Her friend and co-worker from Duffy's restaurant, Betsy Nelson-Steven's was there to support her. Violette said “It was very, very, very cold-but I feel exhilarated,”

Caring Unlimited has been working with victims of domestic violence in York County since 1977. Services provided include a 24-hour emergency telephone hotline, emotional and legal support, safety planning services, referral and transportation to other help sources and services both onsite and offsite, parenting and childcare education programs and temporary and transitional housing.

Atlantic Plunger's collect pledges of money from family members, friends and co-workers to take the dip. Pledges can also be made online through participants' personalized fundraising pages, or collected and turned in when participants check in at the event.

Scott Morse has been taking the plunge for Caring Unlimited for the last ten years. This year his ten year old daughter Madeline is joining him.

“We (the Morse family) believe it is important to do volunteer work and give back. I'm a social worker and I work with survivors of domestic abuse. It is my way to honor them,”

The funds raised by the Atlantic Plunge event significantly support the programs and services the organization provides. Approximately 3,000 women, men and children in York County each year benefit from services at Caring Unlimited.

More information on Caring Unlimited or the annual Atlantic Plunge, visit www.caring-unlimited.org.